Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)

I thank all the Senators who contributed to the debate. I took on board what the Oireachtas joint committee recommended during the previous Dáil. This Bill is not being rushed. There was disappointment we did "rush it through" the last Dáil but I was anxious to have the legal position thoroughly examined and to make sure the advice I received was considered. The Bill has been overseen by two Attorneys General and we are well aware of the issues raised by the Law Society and Senator Coghlan. As Senator O'Toole stated, the right to go to court has never been denied.

I am surprised by the Fine Gael position. There was a great deal of jousting during the previous Dáil about rip-off Ireland and Fine Gael's wonderful website. However, Senator Coghlan's contribution would suggest the website will come down quickly.